The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: moprabbit on August 26, 2013, 10:02:33 pm

Title: lambing for the first time
Post by: moprabbit on August 26, 2013, 10:02:33 pm

I have 4 ewes that are 3 and a half  years old (born March 2010) and none of them has lambed before. I was wondering about having them tupped this Autumn but I know they are a bit fat at the minute - the grass is pretty good at the moment! They are a Mule x Charalais cross. I was wondering what sort of tup would be best - ideally I would like lambs that are quite small as it's their first time lambing. Any ideas about a suitable breed for the tup?
Another thing I would like to ask - there is a possibility that due to house removals/building work I might not be able to cope with lambing this year - If I left it till next Autumn 2014 when they will be 4 and a half years old -is that too late for first time lambing?
Thank you

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 27, 2013, 12:12:08 am

Given their age I'd try to get hold of a Shetland tup for them.  Nice small very active lambs :)  But they'll grow well and make decent fat lambs.

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: Hillview Farm on August 27, 2013, 11:33:12 am

The longer you leave it, the less chance of getting them in lamb. If they get fat on their organs and breeding tract they are harder and harder to get in lamb and if yours are slightly large i'd put them on some tighter grazing and put them to the tup this year

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: Marches Farmer on August 27, 2013, 05:42:08 pm

One of my best ewes regularly expanded to condition store 4.5 before tupping and lambed without problems then raised twins every year, so I always felt the chestnut about "fat ewes don't get in lamb" wasn't invariably true.  I think one word in my first sentence is significant, however.  "Regularly" in lamb.  I think they need to practice regularly to stay good at it.

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: mowhaugh on August 27, 2013, 08:04:02 pm

Good advice above.  I am sure a shetland would give you super lambs, but there are also larger breeds but with narrow heads and shoulders which might be suitable too if you would like something bigger.

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: moprabbit on August 27, 2013, 10:29:29 pm

Thanks for all this advice!
Mowhaugh - just wondered what breeds you were meaning?

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: mowhaugh on August 27, 2013, 10:57:02 pm

Sorry, that was a bit vague!  From personal experience - Meatlincs and Kerry Hills which we use here, and Berrichons which we are about to try.
Border Leicester, Charollais, Easy Care, I am sure other members can add more.  Have fun choosing!

Title: Re: lambing for the first time
Post by: moprabbit on August 28, 2013, 10:24:45 am

Thanks Mowhaugh!